Well, I'm feeling all postpartisan and bygones-be-bygones, how about you?

Now that we have embarked on a new era of change and goodwill — and if you can’t believe flash-frozen CNN haircuts, who can you believe? — I think it’s time for the folks around here who work in and around sports to get with the program. For example, I think it’s time for us to invite Bill Polian down to Foxborough to see a show, shop for lingerie, buy a hamburger at an adjustable rate of interest, or whatever else he wants to do at the Kraft Family Empire along Route 1. Maybe he can go to the great big fishing shop and buy something that won’t sink before the third weekend of the playoffs. Let’s have Brian Cashman, Randy Levine, Hank Steinbrenner, and all the Yankee pooh-bahs over for some Triscuits and cheese, and we can ask them how they manage to stick up the entire state of New York without a gun.

There is one reconciliation devoutly to be wished, though. I have grown concerned about the local baseball team, and it’s not because I believe that the earth will open along Lansdowne Street and giant winged lizards will rise to devour the Cask ’n Flagon if the team doesn’t sign a 36-year-old catcher who hit .220 last year. (Note to the local hysterics: Josh Beckett has won two World Series with two different teams. He doesn’t need a nanny. Pass it on.) No, I’m concerned that the team will not hit well enough in the middle of the lineup, what with Jason Bay being the only incumbent thereabouts who is not both aging and injured. (David Ortiz says his wrist feels fine. Mazel tov. It’s January.)

I realize that they were good enough to get to within one game of defeating the Tampa Bay Rays last season for the right to have Cole Hamels stand them on their heads in the World Series, but I think they need a little additional pop to make sure that Ortiz and Mike Lowell can work their way back into shape carefully.

Cruising the sports pages the other day, I noticed that there is a free agent out there who’s hitting .314 lifetime with 527 home runs and who, last year, almost singlehandedly lifted a mediocre bunch of Los Angeles Dodgers into the playoffs. He hit 17 home runs down the stretch and knocked in 53 runs in as many games. And, almost unbelievably, he’s on the market. Right now. There seem to be some whispers about the San Francisco Giants, but they shouldn’t be that hard to outmaneuver, since they have Barry Zito tied to one leg like an anchor. A team with the sparkling young brainpower of the Boston Red Sox should be able to sabermetric the Giants back to the Island of Misfit Ballclubs, where they belong.

So what's standing in the way of the Red Sox solving all their offensive problems by signing free agent Manny Ramirez?

I know things didn't end well here. In fact, they ended so badly that a local television sports operation put together an actual documentary about how badly they ended, with ominous music and portentous sound bites. This was really quite something. The sportswriters in the show were positively mournful over the terrible situation that had arisen in the Red Sox clubhouse, where all was once unicorns and candy glass. Radio talk show hosts also were dreadfully exercised about the situation, and there is simply nothing like radio talk show hosts being dreadfully exercised about something. It's like watching high Mass in the monkey house. Curt Schilling got to play Braveheart dress-up again. People even yapped incoherently about keeping Ramirez out of the Hall of Fame because certain people believe he occasionally jaked his way out of the lineup. At least, at the eventual induction, he and Yaz will have something to talk about.

And there were, of course, the usual rumors about “off-the-field problems.” It behooves us to mention here that the greatest off-the-field kerfuffle last season involved that aforementioned catcher, without whom the lava flowing down Brookline Avenue this summer will complicate traffic considerably.

And that hasn't seemed to cool the ardor of his admirers among the sporty press.

Still, we are all postpartisan and bygones-be-bygones, right? I mean, you traded the guy. You leaked the stories. You got your infomercial on the television. In return, you got the most productive seven years that your team ever has gotten out of any player, not to mention the only two world championships the team has won since the Armistice was signed. Hey, you got rid of him. He didn't sneak out of town in a gorilla suit or anything.

It seems to me that all books are in balance and it's time to start anew. Bring him back. Can we forget the past? Can we let those bygones be bygones? Can we all just, you know, get along?

I THINK YOU NEED TO TURN IN YOUR WRITING LICENSE.... YOU FLAKED ON US......

MANNY BELONGS IN PRISON FOR ATTACHING A 65 YR OLD MAN,,,,, NOT TO MENTION SUSPENDED BY MBL FOR HIS ANTICS ON THE FIELD AND HIS CONTRACT VIOLATIONS AND GENERAL DISRESPECT TO THE GAME....
HOW DOES ONE DEAL WITH AN ADULT WHEN HE IS ABOUT 12 YEARS OLD AND HAS NO CONCEPT OF ADULTHOOD AND RESPONSIBILITY???? HIS TIME IS OVER !! HIS DEVIL HAS GONE AND WILL INFEST SOME OTHER TEAM..

Posted by GEOJanuary 22, 09 08:54 AM

Finally some sanity in the Boston Globe sports page. Bring back Manny!!

Posted by Al PogarianJanuary 22, 09 08:56 AM

Let it go. He's gone. He didn't want to be here. We don't WANT him here. He's a good player with a crappy attitude. The team doesn't need that. Manny can fade away into obscurity as far as I'm concerned. Let him eat his sushi, and be happy nobody recognizes him (or, more accurately, CARES it's him) over in Cali. We were better after he left (team chemistry, and esprit de corps), and we'll be better if he stays gone. Good riddance to bad rubbish.

Posted by ChrisJanuary 22, 09 09:00 AM

Other teams aren't falling all over themselves to sign him, why should Boston? Maybe if he took a pay cut, had a character clause in his contract and performed some public service (like give something back for a change) then it would be a consideration. BTW where does he play? LF? Moving JBay is a non-starter. DH? After what Big Papai has meant to the team? RF? OK, in a clown suit.

Posted by Dogs4PalsJanuary 22, 09 09:12 AM

First of all Mr. Pierce I think you are a fine writer, but you have this nasty habit of using 100 words to say what could easily and articulately said in 50.
Secondly the fact that you want Manny back and think it would be a good idea is why is why you should leave the sportswriting to those who cover it daily and for the most part have a clue.
Manny, immature, injury faking, lowlife that he is QUIT on his teammates. Not to mention the owner who was paying him more than $140,000 per game to bat 4 times and make a fool of himself in the outfield. Would I love his bat in the Red Sox lineup? Of course. Would I want to see him on the team again? Not under any circumstances. And neither would most of his former teammates. And exactly what would you do with Jason Bay who is strictly a LFer? Leave sports to the sports guys.

Posted by BobLJanuary 22, 09 09:19 AM

I hate to say it, but I agree, if we can let bygones be bygones, and Manny is happy! (which I think he would be thrilled if the Sox wanted to re-sign him). He would put up some great numbers and once again the Yankees will have to explain why they didn't win another World Series after breaking the bank once again.

Posted by RussellJanuary 22, 09 09:25 AM

Christopher Columbus on a broomstick Charles. Remember the winning streak the team had after MR's departure? 16 games, or was it 17? What does it take to turn you off to this dude. He isn't getting signed for a reason and I think it because the guy is kind of low.

Posted by norm cJanuary 22, 09 09:27 AM

BRING BACK MANNY!

Posted by JOE KERRJanuary 22, 09 09:31 AM

He quit on the team. If he hit like he did in LA the Sox might have won it all instead of struggling to a game 7 with Tampa Bay in the ALCS. Let him go and let's win or lose with team players who play hard ALL the time.

Posted by CJ in NHJanuary 22, 09 09:33 AM

Dumbest article I have ever read ... EVER. This guy makes excuses for and places blame on everyone except Manny. "The Sox leaked the stories" ... GOOD! They should have! As silly as it sounds there are more important things than winning. Like teacing young children that the worst thing you can ever do in sports is QUIT on your team.

Posted by JoeJanuary 22, 09 09:33 AM

If Carl Everett returned to his prime, homerun hitting form, would you sign him also? Manny did many things here, but, in the end, he was a distraction and caused more problems than he was worth. The Sox might have had a better chance at beating the Rays in the division and in the ALCS, if he was in the roster, but they also lost several games when he was in the line-up and forgot how to swing the bat.

Posted by MikeJanuary 22, 09 09:45 AM

Sure, let's bring Manny back. Great idea. Here's the catch. He gets a $400,000 base contract plus incentives. Kick backs for HR's over 30, RBI's over 100, AVG of .300 and games played at 130. The only way to guarantee he tries is if he is compensated, as he proved after the move to LA. Those numbers are easy to reach if you look at the second half of last year, so no worries, right?

Posted by Steve N.January 22, 09 09:45 AM

Are you so desperate about whether or not the Red Sox win a few extra games that you're willing to pay that schmuck $20 plus million a year? Really? Wow!

Charlie, I generally enjoy your commentary, but you've been wrong about the Ramirez isse from the start. At the time of the BIG TRADE, you said, and I quote, "I wouldn't be Jason Bay for all the money Manny ever made." The implication being that he would do poorly in a Red Sox uniform and feel the wrath of frustrated fans. You were wrong about that. Bay played very well. The team played better without Manny and they came very close to getting back to the World Series.

I would much rather watch a man of Bay's character and integrity play left field for the Red Sox than Manny Ramirez any day!

Posted by Vermonter17032January 22, 09 09:45 AM

In this economy I don't think we should gamble millions of $$ on a guy that only plays hard when he feels like it. Character and chemistry are more important than stats.

Posted by Steve in VermontJanuary 22, 09 09:48 AM

This is a poorly written article. The author didn't even state valid arguments for bringing Ramirez back. Where would he play? Why would even Manny sign here? Why would ownership sign him?
This is almost like one of those knuckleheads that calls WEEI and gets made fun of.
To put it simply, the author knew exactly what he was doing. He just wants to get his name known and get people talking. The Boston Globe should be embarrassed.

Posted by TuckerJanuary 22, 09 09:50 AM

It is not Manny who "really" wanted to go, it was Boras. You see Boras would make nothing if Manny had his two year options picked up by the Sox. Just as he did with A-Rod, Boras did this.

John Henry is a huge Manny fan and resisted letting him go! Yes, I think Manny never wanted to leave and perhaps an Varitek like meeting to clear the air, is in order!

Posted by BlorfJanuary 22, 09 09:50 AM

LOL...how ironic that these 2need eack other..

Posted by MarioJanuary 22, 09 09:51 AM

Theo and front office need to apologize to Manny. They helped it end badly. Bring him back so he can retire as a RS

Posted by jimdaytonaJanuary 22, 09 09:52 AM

Did you seriously BUMP your head!!!!! Hell no!!

Posted by phJanuary 22, 09 09:53 AM

Manny tried to blow up the club hose. No olive branch for him.

Posted by AWJanuary 22, 09 09:54 AM

We'd look like the biggest idiots under the sun if we took Manny back. Huge mistake. Numbers aren't everything. Character counts, and that's the huge hole that is missing in Manny. Manny doesn't understand the 'we' part of team.

Pretty telling that with his big numbers, no one seems to want him.

I don't see a hole on our team either, we have Lowell coming back, Ortiz, Bay, Drew, Youk, Pedroia. We're pretty solid.

Posted by PamJanuary 22, 09 09:55 AM

This guy is simply the worst writer on the staff. When he's not pushing his political agenda, he's making up stupid stuff to "make people talk." Do you really want to put Manny back into a dugout that voted him off the island, Chuck? Those flashy, awesome stats you quoted... doesn't it seem odd to you that NO ONE ELSE has signed Manny, either? Maybe there's a reason for it. Save your snarky anti-Schilling, anti-management BS for the remaining handful of Manny fanboys and leave the rest of us with a pulse alone.

Posted by SGJanuary 22, 09 09:55 AM

The fact that Manny has received practiaclly no interest from other teams is sweet justice!

How can you even suggest we bring back a player who quit on us like that and this isn't the 1st season he's done so. Manny dogs it here cuz he doesn't get what he wants contract-wise, fakes a knee injury (Who could forget that Manny couldn't even remember what knee he hurt so he had to have them both MRI'd) forces the trade then goes lights out in LA! The Numbers in LA proved one thing.. Manny was faking it here to get out of his contract and he will only perform if he's happy. I paid no attention to the LA #'s as I knew that there was no way Manny would have even come close to those numbers if he was with the Sox through the rest of last year.

What is interesting now is that Manny will likely have to "settle" on the 2 yr $45 million that the Dodgers are offering (Why haven't they pulled that yet?) So since he's not getting what he wants lets see how he performs out there this year! I think Dodger fans will be in for a rude awakening!

.

Posted by ChowdahJanuary 22, 09 09:56 AM

Manny being Manny means one RBI per game. Bring him back. One year deal with an option.

Posted by Moondgo23January 22, 09 10:02 AM

You don't go after a player you let go for deserting his team and teammates. Period.

You seem to have a short memory Charles. Manny's teammates were ticked off. They spoke up about it.

Besides, 2 words will assure he never comes back again:

Scott Boras.

Together, these 2 personify everything that is bad. Greed. Deceit. No integrity. No loyalty.

Together

Posted by gfaheyJanuary 22, 09 10:04 AM

The comments here don't seem to be very well thought out. Lets not become Philadelphia fans. Are we going to whine when Manny bothers us, or when our offense struggles through the ALCS? He is immature and he does act like a 12-year old. But if can win us the East and a World Series, lets go get him. We will not be able to compete with Teixeira, Jeter, Sabathia, and Rodriguez with our lineup the way it is. Lets be mature, suck it up, and forgive Manny. We need him now more than ever

Posted by Nick HJanuary 22, 09 10:04 AM

there is a reason manny is still on the market.

this is a ridiculous article mr p. no doubt about it.

Posted by brad grinnenJanuary 22, 09 10:04 AM

"Can we let those bygones be bygones?"
Pierce neglects to consider one major factor in his foolhardy pipe-dream, even IF "we" were willing to forgive and forget, who says Manny would ever set foot in Boston again accept as an opponent? How can the Sox possibly trust that they would get a 100% effort and team first attitude from a guy who has proven to be out for himself, not to mention every last dollar?
The people who continue to support him absolutely amaze me and sometimes I think it reflects on their character. I guess they're so hopelessly disillusioned that short of Manny breaking all Ten Commandments, he'd still be God's gift to mankind.
He laid down on his teammates for the world to see and you think the Sox would want him back?
I can only imagine the locker room reaction to that news.

Posted by TuckJanuary 22, 09 10:05 AM

I don't know what's worse.... Mazz consistantly finding ways to add "Tex" to any and all articles he writes, or THIS article about bringing back Manny?!

We didn't let Manny go because he was simply a dread-headed problem child. We let him go because HE QUIT PLAYING for us!

Don't bring up his 17 HR's and 53 RBI's in 53 games with the Dodgers in an attempt to sway us into wanting him back. You know WHY he hit like Babe Ruth after being traded??? BECAUSE HE WANTED TO! When he was in Boston, HE DIDN'T WANT TO!

Get over it. Sign Adam Dunn to play 1B. Deal Lowell to SF (they need a 3B). Move Youk back to 3B.

Dunn doesn't wow you with his BA. But look at his OBP (pushing .400). And his power numbers--numbers that could/should soar in Fenway.

Forget Manny

Posted by CajunCaineJanuary 22, 09 10:08 AM

Dumb!

1) Manny never liked it here.

2) Manny is looking for a huge payday, the reason why he hired Borass.

3) He burnt the bridge, and Framinghame Lou said the locker room was saying that Manny was "Carl Everett bad".

4) Bay is no chump, his numbers are not as good but somewhat equal to Manny's....and Bay is younger and a better all around ball player.

5) the players didn't want him here anymore.....

Posted by mikeJanuary 22, 09 10:08 AM

Do a survey and you'll see how much he is loved in Boston, NOT!

Posted by DenisJanuary 22, 09 10:08 AM

Please let the Yanks have him, I would love that.

Posted by DenisJanuary 22, 09 10:10 AM

Absolutely Manny should be considered. This is a business. We have a need. Manny can fill the need. Given the past however, the Red Sox should structure incentives to reduce problems. A "clubhouse" bonus; etc.

Posted by Michael in VAJanuary 22, 09 10:10 AM

No Way! As every day passes Manny stews a little longer. Any team that signs him now will be getting him at a price HE feels is too low and then it is only a matter of time before he quits on his team.

Posted by radosoxJanuary 22, 09 10:10 AM

I would rather see Barry Bonds come to town !!

Posted by SullyJanuary 22, 09 10:13 AM

I'd rather have a case of the clap!

Posted by DenisJanuary 22, 09 10:14 AM

Name three things Manny and this writer have in common. Respect for the game, respect for your teammates, and respect for the yourself. As much as it hurt to see the Rays beat my Red Sox last year, I enjoyed the tremendous and obvious abundance of this three qualities exibited by their players and manager. Get a clue guy, you can't win with a disruptive and disrespecful presence like Manny either in the clubhouse or the news room.

Posted by stpetemanJanuary 22, 09 10:15 AM

Tough to find a better hitter.... I loved Manny, he's the best hitter the team has ever had, and very exciting to watch good or bad. He soured a lot of people in Boston on his way out, Management, Teammates and Fans. I wish he was more professional and not so Manny being Manny... Because He¡¦d make this line up a force to be reckoned with. When I first read this I thought who would you sit, it would have to be J. Ellsbury. Drew could handle 110 games at center field and Bay could move to RF. You¡¦d have 4 30 homer guys in the middle of your line up and two 20 something homer guys at either end, that would be great¡K. BUT its never going to happen ƒ¼

Posted by BOJanuary 22, 09 10:16 AM

Sweet Justice? Yeah, you are a Boston moron! Though your name doesn't leave much to wonder there... Look, the guy is a child, yes, but he plays a friggin' game for a living, what do you expect? I mean, Pedro hired a midget (RIP) as a good luck charm to help win the 2004 world series, isn't that childish? The fact is, in professional sports, you have these kind of personalities (see Owens, Terrell; Moss, Randy; Burress, Plaxico) and sometimes you just have to GET OVER IT if you want your team to... you know... win!
What's more disgusting? That Manny wanted out of a city that kindof treated him schizophrenically sometimes? Or that Tom Brady was NEVER seen on the sidelines supporting his team that was ailing without him? I say the latter. (sidenote, the utter lack of attention to this is sinful, and biased sports journalism... not that I wouldn't be alone with Gisele for as much time as I could either, but I digress....)
Look, I don't want the drama back. It felt like someone removed an anchor from my shoulders when they traded him. But I love the Sox, and I want them to win. When we lost in the Teixeira sweepstakes, we created a spot that HAS to be filled. If you can't see that, then you might need to read up on professional baseball. Because without another failsafe powerful bat in our lineup, we can't count on a championship. I'm not saying we should throw ourselves at him again... I'm saying that IF we find ourselves completely out of options, Ramirez and his baggage could be the difference between a 2009 banner and a "wait till next year" t-shirt.

Posted by JayJanuary 22, 09 10:17 AM

If you guys want to be taken seriously.......please check for typing errors !!! Manny is unusual to say the least ...but I doubt he ever tried to blow up the club "hose" When Manny came to bat while he was actually trying to hit , it made one feel a bit sorry for the opposing pitcher. When he wasn't trying his best you felt sorry for the Red Sox. His batting skills will put him into the HOF ,but his lack of responsibility to his team will keep him anywhere else.

Waiting for Spring in Canada

Posted by Andrew MancusoJanuary 22, 09 10:19 AM

How many times did he quit on us, and more importantly, his own teammates? You think they want him back? Take a vote in the clubhouse. If Pap, and Youk, and Pedey, and Lowell, and Poppy and the veterans want him back. I'll sign up. But check with the team first. Chemistry is a building block to championships. The 04 and 07 sox proved that.

Posted by CTgoSoxJanuary 22, 09 10:20 AM

Intercourse Manny. Done, Finished. Period. No need to talk about it again.
Stop writing stories about him, I will stop reading stories about him, I will stop blogging about him.

ENOUGH, already. Jeez! Remember, he is a selfish baby and Boras is his agent. Let him flounder in mediocrity in San Francisco or better yet, Japan.

Posted by dbmediaJanuary 22, 09 10:21 AM

Journalism should be about something more than snappy phrases and ho-ho-ho's. The Manny issue became, rightfully, a CHARACTER issue. Why not write about that? If you want to be cute tie a pink ribbon in your hair and write for Cosmo.

Posted by shedd1January 22, 09 10:22 AM

I read Pierce's article last week advocating for the celtics to try to sign Stephon Marbury and this weeks's article about the Red Sox trying to sign Manny. I can't wait for next weeks article about how the Patriots should try to sign Terrel Owens or how the Bruins should go after Steve Avery

Posted by BLJanuary 22, 09 10:22 AM

You wrote:

"People even yapped incoherently about keeping Ramirez out of the Hall of Fame because certain people believe he occasionally jaked his way out of the lineup. At least, at the eventual induction, he and Yaz will have something to talk about."

Are you kidding me? Obviously you are too young to remember Yaz. While he might not have run out a groundball here and there-- usually one-hoppers to the pitcher or first baseman, he never asked out of the lineup, ever. When he was in his 40's, Ralph Houk gave him his pick regarding which game of the next days double header that he wanted to sit. Yaz insisted on playing both games. Check his record. He played every day and he played injured.

Posted by Ted WoznyJanuary 22, 09 10:24 AM

Please resign Manny, and we all know as long as he hits all will be forgiven in Boston

Posted by CharlieJanuary 22, 09 10:25 AM

Charle, if it were your decision, would you pay someone $20 million to only work when they felt like, who you couldn't rely on as a teammate/co-worker, and who physically assaulted a 65 year-old man over something incredibly trivial in a "Don't you know who I am?" kind of way? Really? I don't think I would...

Posted by stephaniejudithtannerJanuary 22, 09 10:27 AM

Yes, I realize that the article was written partially "for effect" and it's worked. Nice job, Charles. That being said, there is a parallel between Manny and Tek, at least financially. One took bad advice and passed on an absurdly generous arbitration offer, and one took matters into his own hands and behaved just poorly enough to give him the chance to try and make more money this year. They both miscalculated badly. In Tek's case, hopefully the club has assessed the true value, tacked on a little for loyalty and is preparing a n offer in the $5 million neighborhood for a year. In Manny's case, he is a player that is certainly needed based on statistics by the team. How about a similar $10 million offer, which does not offer the same loyalty type bump as Tek. Would he accept it? Of course not. But...if he did, we can all agree the team would be better.

Posted by ArtJanuary 22, 09 10:28 AM

listen you loser, Manny did get traded, and he did give us a great 7.5 seasons, but he quit, and perhaps you need to be reminded he was paid for his services..so cut the stir the pot crap, he is not a true professional....he quit, quit on his team, his owner, his fans and to the baseball fans across the country, why dont you pay him, you should be ashamed, are you that devoid of creative talent that you have to scribe this garbarge in Jan.........

Bring him back??? How MLB investigates him for throwing games.He`s in the same catagory as P.Rose.

Posted by viktorJanuary 22, 09 10:35 AM

Can we bring back Clemens too?

Posted by RickJanuary 22, 09 10:37 AM

Brainiac. Where does manny fit into your new lineup. dumb idea and dumb story.

Posted by vtskibumJanuary 22, 09 10:40 AM

I think the Sox should contact Boras with a ridiculous offer, have him and his client fly in and then when they get here, tell them they changed their minds.

Posted by bosoxfannjJanuary 22, 09 10:41 AM

I'll take Jason Bay any day over Manny-the-Idiot. Bay is a complete player and a team player. Manny isnt. Period.

Posted by MMoleJanuary 22, 09 10:41 AM

no doubt, MR broke all our hearts and yes, it's almost unforgiveable how he left our beloved team/town ... but a one year deal w/option, hmmm, post #25 has a point ... imagine MR playing sooo hard, donating time to numerous charitable events and being sooo respectful of his team, teammates AND the game ... wow, what a fantasy !

having to prove his worth through the 09season, through 162+++ would be a delight : )

GO Sox !!!

Posted by fl-panhandle-fanJanuary 22, 09 10:42 AM

Bring back Manny!!!

Find him a place to live (outside of Boston), and welcome him back so he and Papi can hang together again and he can entertain the fans!!!

Posted by SophieJanuary 22, 09 10:45 AM

Hey Charles, weren't you, at one time an ACTUAL sports writer? There are blogs being written by middle school children that I would take more serious than this. You have really embarrassed yourself with this one!

Posted by Tim EllisJanuary 22, 09 10:45 AM

I say - here, here!

Who is out there to hit behind Papi from the right side? Sammy Sosa? I mean is Youk, or Lowell or Bay intimidating enough to have pitchers PITCH to Papi and not around him? Methinks, not! And besides, perhaps Big Papi would Papi-up once again if Manny were back slinging shots into the Monsta seats and beyond!
I concur! Bring back Manny for 2 years at $50M with an option and be done with it! Pedroia, Youk Ortiz, Ramirez, Bay Lowell Drew Varitek Lowrie

Manny was absolutely raking in July, carrying the Sox, before he was traded. Quit my ass.

I'd gladly welcome him back with open arms. He is a tremendous hitting talent and it was a joy to watch him do this thing every day.

Posted by Jeffery LebowskiJanuary 22, 09 10:49 AM

If they took Manny back, I'D QUIT RED SOX NATION AND MOVE TO CANADA!!

Posted by elizabetsyJanuary 22, 09 10:51 AM

You are an idiot. Why bring him back? He will just quit on them again...he does not want to be there. Go do some research and write a worthwhile article.

Posted by Dare I say dumb?January 22, 09 10:52 AM

That's just crazy talk!

Posted by kalaJanuary 22, 09 10:55 AM

Amen to comments 36 & 37, they sum it up perfectly.

Posted by Mike from WlfdJanuary 22, 09 10:55 AM

Who do you get rid of to make room for him genious? Your selective memory seems to have left out the fact that this team gelled once this man child left the building. His monstrous production with LA just showed how much more he had to give. What did we get? A story about bad knees. Would you seriously want to be his teammate? It's a lot easier to deal with him from the press box eh?

Posted by JBJanuary 22, 09 10:58 AM

CHARLIE... GET THE INPRESSION THAT RS FANS ARE INTERESTED IN MORE THEN ONE THING....HITTING...
IE. BEING PROFESSIONAL. ACTUALLY CARING FOR YOUR TEAM AND TEAM-MATES. OH YA ,AND THE FANS THAT PAY YOUR SALARY. HIS TEAMATES WOULD REVOLT IF THEY BROUGHT THIS CANCER BACK INTO THE CLUB HOUSE.....

Posted by JOE FROM FLORIDAJanuary 22, 09 10:59 AM

Same category as Pete Rose?
that's ridiculous!!
He's a great player who was a key part of 2 championship teams.
He's a first year Hall of Fame player. Sox fans will realize how important having a huge bat behind Ortiz is to the team when they go the next decade without another championship.
Jason Bay is a nice guy...so was Mike Greenwell..those type of players can not lead a team to winning it all. Asses who are great players do.

Posted by ChuckJanuary 22, 09 10:59 AM

I'd rather lose

Posted by wb1111January 22, 09 11:00 AM

I would have to believe this article was meant to be funny.

Posted by TerryJanuary 22, 09 11:01 AM

Won't happen...stupid article.

Posted by joshJanuary 22, 09 11:02 AM

Manny had his great 53 games with the Dodgers and cut back the locks on his head because we was seeking a new contract. If we can sign him to a one year deal, fine (but he proabaly wouldn't take it). But otherwise, he's just going to quit on his teammates again. Also remember that this year he turns 37 years old, so this year or next his production is just going to drop like a rock off a cliff.

Posted by ForrestJanuary 22, 09 11:02 AM

Please don't bring him back.

Posted by Ann CarmodyJanuary 22, 09 11:04 AM

theres a reason manny is still un- signed, hes a cancer in the clubhouse id rather see the sox trade for fielder or sign adam dunn , bring manny back? no thank you
as they say " been there, done that, moved on "

Posted by joeJanuary 22, 09 11:04 AM

I can't believe people feel so badly against him. He was the most followed Sox player and everyone, all of the media, were after him. They are what turned the Sox against Manny and vice-versa.

IMO, Manny is one of the greatest players in baseball history, deservedly so. I don't know where he would fit in the lineup, but I'd be willing to keep the door open. I've been saying since the end of the season. Bring him back to BOSTON!!!!

Posted by DrewJanuary 22, 09 11:04 AM

Now , I live in upstate NY but watch every Red Sox game and read the Globe on-line every day...so why am I the only one out there who doesn't know what Jason Veritek did last summer that was morally terrible ? Someone please spell it out.

Posted by LarryJanuary 22, 09 11:04 AM

The Globe used to have higher standards. This piece is nothing more than a lowly globe writer's attempt to achieve notoriety by writing something that would be controversial if it wasn't so absurd. Journalists are losing their jobs left and right so I suppose it's may be a sad cry for attention. Stop wasting our time and give us real sports reporting and opinion.

Posted by BackBaySoxFanJanuary 22, 09 11:04 AM

dumbest article I have read in some time...and I read Callahan everyday

Posted by TonyJanuary 22, 09 11:04 AM

This reminds me of a Rush Limbaugh statement: Say something truly inflammatory and impossible, and see what happens. Good only for its entertainment value. His exit and agent are all you need to know. Isn't. Going. to. HAPPEN.

I'd say Bobby Abeau would be a nice lefty DH replacement if Ortiz's hand is not OK.

Posted by LeftOutJanuary 22, 09 11:04 AM

Was just a matter of time before a writer did something like this for the sake of controversy.

Posted by nyysJanuary 22, 09 11:05 AM

what a waste of a writing peice/space - write about the rookies or the kids in the minors, or about what we can look forward to seeing in 09? manny, no thanks.

Posted by markJanuary 22, 09 11:05 AM

D-U-M-B!!!!! And so are the idiots (like this author) that want to bring him back! enough said.... NEXT!

Posted by JonJanuary 22, 09 11:05 AM

Who cares? A bunch of steroid-jacked crybabies playing a game everyone takes way too seriously. They're overpaid too, and will dump their loyalties in a second for a bit more coin.

Posted by iLLogicaLJanuary 22, 09 11:06 AM

Folks, this is meant to be sarcastic. Please calm down.

Posted by KJanuary 22, 09 11:06 AM

I think Manny was the greatest Red Sox player to ever strut the field at Fenway, I would trade any player to get him back, never mind just signing him!! GET HIM BACK NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Chris Donaghue of SouthieJanuary 22, 09 11:06 AM

I'm waiting for the day he steps up to the plate against Beckett and gets drilled.Nothing would please me more.

Posted by Muck FannyJanuary 22, 09 11:07 AM

No thanks to Manny. He's childish, petty, and was glad to hear the Sox were knocked out of the playoffs last year. Before missing his bat, remember how often he was "Manny being Manny" constantly, playing only if he wanted to do so. How many times was he "sick" or "hurt" or watched hittable pitches. No, we don't need that.

Posted by mhc90January 22, 09 11:07 AM

Here is an idea.
Let's offer Manny a one year Contract at the Major League minimum of $350,000

He then gets a 5 million dollar bonus for 400, 500, 550, and 600 plate appearances as well as million dollar bonuses for winning a Silver Slugger, LCS and WS MVP's, Gold Glove(hah!) and bonuses depending on where he finishes in the MVP voting. If he meets 600 plate appearances his contract automatically kicks in for the next year at base salary of 10 million with the same bonuses in place. If he plays hard Manny should have no problem making much more then he is currently being offered. Of course, it is Manny.

If

Posted by KevinJanuary 22, 09 11:08 AM

HE IS A CANCER TO THE TEAM AND RED SOX NATION!!!! I am glad he is eating some humble pie! He is not as good as he thinks he is! BAN MANNY!!! BAN MANNY!!! He is NOT welcome here!!!!!

Posted by #redsoxfanJanuary 22, 09 11:08 AM

In a heartbeat take him back.. Going no where without him.

Posted by AnonymousJanuary 22, 09 11:08 AM

I would trade ten JIM Rices to get Manny back,

Posted by Chris Donaghue of SouthieJanuary 22, 09 11:09 AM

Here is an idea.
Let's offer Manny a one year Contract at the Major League minimum of $350,000

He then gets a 5 million dollar bonus for 400, 500, 550, and 600 plate appearances as well as million dollar bonuses for winning a Silver Slugger, LCS and WS MVP's, Gold Glove(hah!) and bonuses depending on where he finishes in the MVP voting. If he meets 600 plate appearances his contract automatically kicks in for the next year at base salary of 10 million with the same bonuses in place. If he plays hard Manny should have no problem making much more then he is currently being offered. Of course, it is Manny.

If

Posted by KevinJanuary 22, 09 11:09 AM

I LOVE TO SEE MANNY BACK!!! But I really really really doubt it would happen. After all the things he has done to his team mates and what he's done to the front office. AND where would you put him? Bay in Left, J.D. in Right and deff not in center. also Big Poppa as a DH.

Posted by andyJanuary 22, 09 11:09 AM

Sure, bring cancer back after you have been cured.

Posted by PhilJanuary 22, 09 11:09 AM

The bridge has been burned.. there is no return possible

Posted by AnonymousJanuary 22, 09 11:09 AM

Let's bring back Roger too! Manny is an idiot cancer that his teammates didn't want anymore and they knew what his offensive impact was.

Posted by VernJanuary 22, 09 11:12 AM

Oh yeah, bring back Manny - but only after The Globe brings back Mike Barnicle and Patricia Smith. Get it?

Posted by OCBJanuary 22, 09 11:12 AM

Bring Back Manny- it would worth it to see Shaughnessy and the other oldfarts choke on their words. It would also let them know they no longer have the power to chase talent out of town

Posted by APCJanuary 22, 09 11:12 AM

Sad really, you have reverted back to the pre 80 years without a World Series why can't we beat the Yankees knee jerk reaction. Now the panic because Hank Steindbrenner opened the wallet and spent huge amounts of dough to buy one more ring before daddy kicks the bucket.

Pathetic.

Posted by AnonymousJanuary 22, 09 11:12 AM

I cannot get over how much credit some people give Manny for the two World Series titles. It seems to me that the Sox did not win any titles, despite having Manny in left, until a certain loud mouth pitcher moved up from Arizona to break a curse. I don't get how Manny got the WS MVP over this same bloody socked loud mouth, especially since all the key hits in that series (and the one before) where by the guy hitting ahead of him in the lineup. I would also note that the Sox did not win their second World Series for a couple more years, until that loud mouth pitcher was again healthy.

In short, Manny is not the cog that led the Sox to win the world series, it was Schilling, with an honorable mention to Papi.

Posted by RandyJanuary 22, 09 11:12 AM

Sad really, you have reverted back to the pre 80 years without a World Series why can't we beat the Yankees knee jerk reaction. Now the panic because Hank Steindbrenner opened the wallet and spent huge amounts of dough to buy one more ring before daddy kicks the bucket.

Pathetic.

Posted by PeterJanuary 22, 09 11:12 AM

Bring Him Back Now!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by allie316January 22, 09 11:13 AM

No ...... no ....... and, oh ya ........ no!

Don't know what you have been smoking but you had better exhale. The clubhouse is just as it should be.

Don't you recall Jason Bay's first at bat at the Fens ..... damn guy had tears in his eyes ... and he hadn't even swung a bat. Manny got what he deserved - let him deal with it!

Posted by JimmyJanuary 22, 09 11:14 AM

are you crazy? you would reward this bum with a contract? you should be giving advice to the Yankees!!

Posted by HSRJanuary 22, 09 11:14 AM

Charles,
You must be having a great time savoring all these comments! You sure stirred up the pot, and look what you got! A steaming bouillabaisse of bad blood, broken hearts, Manny longings, life lessons, spicy factoids, and more! Enjoy!

Posted by grayclifferJanuary 22, 09 11:14 AM

Easily one of the dumbest columns ever written by a very bright fellow. Pierce, you disappoint me . . . but I'll give you a pass one this one.

Posted by JohnJanuary 22, 09 11:15 AM

Hilarious!! What an entertaining piece...thanks for this -- it made me laugh out loud. Equally hilarious is the indignation some are showing in these comments, also making me laugh. Get a grip folks!! Glad to have a laugh about a game played by grown men, rather than reading more really awful, catastrophic economic news. Thanks again Mr. Pierce. I happened to agree with a wonderful Slate piece you did last year about how dumb the RS were for getting rid of Manny in the first place. Without Manny, and as they were unable to seal the deal with Texeira, the Sox are likely looking at being in second or third place next year. But we'll see! Whatever happens, let's hope it distracts us from the awful state of the world.

Posted by MarloJanuary 22, 09 11:17 AM

It's amazing how many people bought the propaganda the Boston media threw at us about Manny's leaving. It's nice to hear a reasonable voice, and the comments saying that the author needs to hand in his license because of this article are nuts.

Posted by DmitriJanuary 22, 09 11:17 AM

ABSOLUTELY! And While we're at it lets bring back George Bush and Dick Cheney!

Posted by CLJanuary 22, 09 11:18 AM

i'd rather lose every game every season with a team full of guys that try hard rather than win every game every season with a team full of Manny's. isn't that why Red Sox Nation despises the Yankees so much...all money, no heart? I'll pass.

Posted by jakeJanuary 22, 09 11:18 AM

Wow, that flowery prose seems familiar, Kevin Paul, is that you????

Posted by GaryGeigerJanuary 22, 09 11:18 AM

APPARENTLY THE GLOBE DOES NOT MANDATE DRUG TESTING FOR THEIR WRITERS!!!

Posted by BJanuary 22, 09 11:20 AM

It's tough to say who's dumber ... Republicans, or Sox fans who think that the team is better off without Manny. Any Sox fan who does not like Manny was blacked out from 2001-2007, and obviously never watched him play, but rather followed his career through the twisted words of Gordon Edes and his Curly-Haired Boyfriend. Wake up.

Posted by MGGJanuary 22, 09 11:20 AM

Are you out of you freaking mind?!?!

Posted by I.P. FreelyJanuary 22, 09 11:20 AM

You Sir are an absolute FOOL! Manny's presence would tear that club house apart if Kevin Youkilis didn't tear him apart first. I hope this article was a joke, if not you are a fool and should be looking for a new job

Posted by BRyanJanuary 22, 09 11:21 AM

Are you crazy? No way do not bring that knucklehead back,maybe Obama has a job for him the his cabinet..

Posted by BoFanJanuary 22, 09 11:22 AM

Don't need Manny's lack of work ethic. You people have short memories as to how he acted toward the end of his time in uniform. He belongs on the unemployment line.

Posted by SoxFanJanuary 22, 09 11:22 AM

People forget he was a cancer in clubhouse. His teammates don't want him back, why would the fans. See ya Manny....it's been nice!

Posted by WalterJanuary 22, 09 11:22 AM

If you move Manny to DH, then Papi is out. If you move Manny to Left, than Ellsbury is out and your outfield stinks, when it was the best in baseball just a year ago. I'm more afraid that if we don't sign Manny it will turn into the "curse of ManRam" and it may be a while before we win anything again. Otherwise, who needs him? He's a quitter!

Posted by mattJanuary 22, 09 11:22 AM

Are you kidding! 1. You need to get another job, because you suck at this one. 2. He quit on his teammmates. A cardinal sin. 3. He went out and got Boras right before the season. A sign he wanted out as we all know how Boras works. Boras wasn't going to get a dime if Manny stayed. 4. SCREW HIM!! Manny being Manny can take it somewhere else. I'd rather watch a competitive team with character than watch his crap all year. If he comes back I'll send back my seasons tix. I would hope that management has a bit more self respect than that.

Posted by Rascal60January 22, 09 11:22 AM

I loved the years with Manny and always will.

That said, it's best that he and the team move in different directions. Planet Manny took a dark, disturbing turn last year. Fans that are clamoring to have him back must have some form of battered wife syndrome. This guy took a big crap all over you, and you want him back. How can you look yourselves in the mirror?